Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Bengaluru: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which currently meets 67% of its energy requirements through solar power, is aiming for 100% reliance on renewable energy by next year. On Wednesday, a solar plant generating 3.5 MW of power was inaugurated. The plant has come up on eight rooftops on the premises of the airport.

BIAL MD and CEO Hari Marar said that the airport has increased its consumption of solar power to over 50 MU (million units) through on-site and off-site solar power purchase agreements in a phased manner. The first phase was commissioned in 2017.

Talking about sustainable measures taken by the airport, he said that 400 high pressure sodium vapour lamps on the air side have been replaced by LEDs. The move has helped the airport save 11.5 lakh units of electricity annually.

The airport has sought the help of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) for sustainable water management. There is a plan to integrate five lakes in its vicinity. The largest lake is located on the north eastern part, is spread over a length of one kilometre and width of 150 metres.
06/02/19 The Hindu